Four Ways the DriveCam Program Backs Up Drivers

While driver acceptance of in-cab event recorders has been a challenge in the past, we’ve seen significant gains recently. The reality is, the DriveCam® program can be a big benefit for drivers, providing proof of everything they’re doing right. Here are four important ways the DriveCam program is advocating for drivers right now.

Exoneration. If your drivers are the victim of a sideswipe, hit-and-run, or another type of collision, the DriveCam program can be their best friend. When a collision opens the door for debate about who’s at fault, the DriveCam program squashes those arguments with video proof of what really happened.

“Professional drivers can rest easy knowing that the actions of others who are liable will be captured on video,” said Gary Johnson, director, risk and compliance management at Lytx. “People in passenger vehicles frequently cut off commercial drivers. They change lanes without looking. They don’t see your truck because they’re texting while at the wheel. Professional drivers can be assured—and drive more confidently—knowing that the DriveCam program can protect them in these situations.”

Many times, passenger vehicle drivers try to pin on commercial drivers the blame for their own mistakes, such as running a red light or pulling out into oncoming traffic, Johnson said. Through video clips, the DriveCam program quickly enables dismissal of those false accusations and clears drivers’ names and records. The same is true in public transit, when an unruly passenger has an altercation with a driver. The DriveCam program can be a great advocate for drivers by providing evidence that can be used in court, Johnson said.

Driver recognition. Acts of skilled driving and professionalism brought to light through DriveCam video clips make it easy for drivers’ good actions to be recognized and promoted. “The program allows drivers to be praised and acknowledged for their exceptional driving skills, whether it results in dramatically saving another person’s life, or simply avoiding a collision through safe maneuvering and quick thinking,” Johnson said.

Before event recorders, supervisors had no way of knowing when a driver deserved to be recognized unless someone came forward and mentioned it, Johnson said. The DriveCam program can bring drivers’ achievements to managers’ attention right away, allowing drivers to be rewarded for their bravery and professionalism in a timely manner.

Professional development. The DriveCam program is a coaching tool, not a disciplinary tool, Johnson said. “It’s here to help drivers hone their talent and be the best drivers they can be,” he said. “Just as professional athletes improve their game by studying video clips of their performance in the field, drivers can improve their skills by reviewing video clips with their managers and refining their performance.”

Good drivers are hard to find, and becoming or staying a safe and conscientious driver is good job security.

Proof in the event of complaints. When a driver arrives to deliver a load but no one is there to receive it, or if a dock is full, a gate is locked or an alley is too narrow to navigate, the driver can push the event recorder’s manual record button. “A recording and its date and time stamp will validate your driver’s side of the story in the event of a customer dispute,” Johnson said.

Even more than the DriveCam manual button, Lytx’s newest product—the Lytx Video Services program—can be a valuable tool for fleets seeking to document their service record. Featuring video-on-demand and support for multiple cameras, the Lytx Video Services program can capture video from several different angles so you know the full story of what’s happening with your fleet.